Bryce Cotton is, rightfully, attracting all the headlines as Perth Wildcats ready for another NBL championship tilt, but Tai Webster could be every bit as important and he's perfectly happy for other teams to keep disrespecting him.
Cotton put on another dazzling show on Saturday night as the Wildcats returned to RAC Arena in Perth for the first time in 2024 to keep their winning run going with a 100-79 win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The three-time MVP who is just about a lock to claim a fourth MVP award had 26 points already by halftime before the Phoenix did all they could to deny him the ball in the second half.
It worked to a degree as he ended the game with 34 points, but his teammates stepped up, none more so than point guard Webster.
South East Melbourne decided to stand right off him to leave Webster free at the three-point line. While he only made 2-of-6 of attempts from downtown, he put together a terrific all-round game.
He finished with 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting with four assists and his partnership in the back court with Cotton is becoming one of the great strengths of the 'Cats who have now won four straight in second spot.
It's no coincidence Cotton's MVP-level form has coincided with Webster's impressive form running the point and pushing the pace.
"From where we are now from the start of the season, we've come a long way," Webster said.
"Just the chemistry between me and Bryce, and the whole team getting around trying to make the game easier for Bryce.
"When he's going like he was in that first half, I just try to stay out of his way and do what I can to help him keep going."
Opposition teams have sat off point guards Mitch Norton and Damian Martin on championship teams at Perth alongside Cotton previously, but Webster hopes it keeps happening to him.
Having that space allows him the freedom to make plays for his teammates, get inside himself or take the odd outside shots to try to make the defence pay for what he calls 'disrespecting' him.
Webster hasn’t been a bad three-point shooter over his career either. In his previous stint in the NBL at the New Zealand Breakers and throughout Europe, he has shot the three ball at a more than respectable 33 per cent.
He isn’t complaining if teams keep sitting off him.
"I had to take the challenge on," Webster said.
"JR (coach John Rillie) pulled me out in the third quarter and had to have a quick word to me to remind me who I am, and what I do. But it's awesome to see a team doing that with me and I love it for sure.
"I think that's probably the best option right now for them to try so I really have to lock in, focus and not let them disrespect me."
